tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86636841488289020952018-08-28T14:45:50.539-04:00-30-- from the front lines of Canada's media -Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-27322602697639566352012-01-05T13:54:00.002-05:002012-01-05T14:11:14.485-05:00Great Journalism Deserves Award<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CozunXK5Ryc/TwXyXFbYvoI/AAAAAAAAALE/h0B05LBN_78/s1600/YELLOW%2BGUILDSTER%2BSQUEEZE.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694223782287818370" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CozunXK5Ryc/TwXyXFbYvoI/AAAAAAAAALE/h0B05LBN_78/s320/YELLOW%2BGUILDSTER%2BSQUEEZE.jpg" /></a><br />Great journalists we want you! In an effort to reward good journalism and to encourage more and better coverage of labour and social justice issues CMG and our parent union CWA-SCA Canada have teamed up with the esteemed <a href="http://http//www.caj.ca/?p=1906">Canadian Association of Journalists</a> to offer one thousand dollars (and our gratitude) to a winning Journalist. Deadline to apply Jan 31, 2012. Apply at caj.ca. Good luck!Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-13005164971807314972012-01-05T13:15:00.005-05:002012-01-05T13:29:18.384-05:00Workers UniteIf you are in a union, you have a say in how you are treated at work because you have a set of rules that the company and the union have agreed to, basically a collective agreement.<br />It sets out things like salary, working hours, shifts, annual leave and other practical information. Having this in writing gives staff a sense of confidence that everyone knows the rules and will be treated equally. It has taken years to get to the stage where we can hammer out these productive mutual agreements with employers. So its alarming to see the H<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">arper</span> government stepping in to order workers back to work; The Death of The Collective Agreement <a href="http://www.canadianlawyermag.com/3992/the-death-of-collective-bargaining.html">http://www.canadianlawyermag.com/3992/the-death-of-collective-bargaining.html</a><br />Equally concerning are suggestions the Conservative government wants to change Canada's 100 year old Labour Code.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-58429655868487035882012-01-05T12:52:00.003-05:002012-01-05T13:00:28.274-05:00Good Luck Canadian Press<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_p-jzwUJ-zo/TwXjYcdNHhI/AAAAAAAAAK4/EB3KEpNwHYc/s1600/TERRY%2BPEDWELL.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694207312974913042" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_p-jzwUJ-zo/TwXjYcdNHhI/AAAAAAAAAK4/EB3KEpNwHYc/s320/TERRY%2BPEDWELL.jpg" /></a>A century ago a handful of intrepid journalists and like-minded citizens strung up telegraph lines across the country and started sharing the news. The Canadian Press has been telling Canadians what's happening since 1917. More than 200 journalists across the country now send copy, photos, video, and radio audio to Radio, TV, newspapers, and online media across Canada.<br />On top of being historically significant, CP is one of the largest single original sources of news (because so many media use their material) in Canada. Sadly this year is a stressful one with jobs cuts likely. CMG's CP President Terry Pedwell is working with the company on<br />ways to save jobs, and help ensure a long productive future for both staff and a great institution.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-89408351632221500192012-01-05T09:52:00.002-05:002012-01-05T10:18:15.888-05:00Shameful RelocationSad news over the holidays, as media giant (55 thousand staff worldwide) Thomson Reuters cut 22 jobs at its Toronto office; relocating the mostly IT work to India. Even more disappointing is the company is owned by the Toronto based Thomson family. How is that for a lump of coal in your stocking! Many of us worry about the declining quality of journalism as companies downsize<br />and find ways to move work to developing countries where labour is cheaper. On top of all of all of this new studies call <a href="http://http//www.infoworld.com/t/business/tech-jobs-take-stress-whole-new-levels-584">IT Jobs most stressful . No wonder. </a>Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-34581823851364402872011-12-06T11:05:00.002-05:002011-12-06T11:28:14.459-05:00CBC Smackdown69% of Canadians support stable or increased funding for the CBC. A recent poll shows the level of support for the national network remains high. Three quarters of Canadians give the CBC high marks for fulfilling its <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mandate</span>, and a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">majority</span> want to see funding increased or maintained. The report by a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ryerson</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">U of</span> Toronto professors shows viewers from all political parties believe the government should be supporting the CBC. The recent speculation around budget cuts has lead one group, to imagine a world where the CBC is sold to the highest bidder! A wrestling <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">smackdown</span>! See video at <a href="http://http//www.friends.ca/blog-post/10478">Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, </a>May the day never dawn!Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-29191775782400455262011-10-31T14:50:00.002-04:002011-10-31T14:52:57.991-04:00Running for A CauseA shout out to all union members running the New York City<br />marathon this weekend. Thousands of union members are runners,<br />and thousands of runners are union members.....so it must be<br />good for you! <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZEsImY0QOE/Tq7t8G-rVlI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Ophw-OemKAk/s1600/NEW%2BYORK%2BT.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669730597827466834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZEsImY0QOE/Tq7t8G-rVlI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Ophw-OemKAk/s320/NEW%2BYORK%2BT.jpg" /></a>Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-66354104763492087082011-10-31T14:19:00.002-04:002011-10-31T14:49:00.809-04:00Journalism QualityWhen journalists get together these days the declining quality of news is always on the agenda,<br />everyone is doing more with less; there are fewer working journalists, therefore fewer original stories, (not counting citizen journalists and personal blogs). Now a TV reporter may have to also file a radio or web story; print reporters are filing for multiple sources and everyone is taking photos. This multi-skilling means fewer bodies researching difficult stories because no one has time. What that leads to is the impression all newscasts are the same! To change that, and to encourage enterprize (innovative) reporting, where the real "scoops" come from, we need to support creative and alternate news sources, something many Euopean countries already do.<br />From<a href="http://http//j-source.ca/article/blame-it-neoliberalism-fix"> Nick Fillmore of J-Source (at Ryerson </a>University)<br />..."We need to build awareness among Canadians concerning the dangers of corporate media manipulation, as well as take steps to build and develop independent media outlets that will bring the public news and opinions that are more balanced and less ideological. " <br /><br />"Mainstream journalists also need to increase their awareness level concerning their position in society. <strong>They need to listen to, and support, the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations because the one per cent that controls our lives is the same one per cent that owns and controls for-profit news organizations. </strong>This does not mean that journalists should become advocates in their work for the positions being expressed, but journalists, just like any other group in their private lives, have an obligation to be responsible citizens and support whatever they believe to be good for society. "Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-14289836725436229922011-10-24T18:27:00.005-04:002011-10-24T18:31:43.083-04:00Hearts of Gold<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yucYC_iMVug/TqXmfGDsQNI/AAAAAAAAAJM/HqELO_p1vc4/s1600/CAR%2526%2BLISE.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667189127992066258" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yucYC_iMVug/TqXmfGDsQNI/AAAAAAAAAJM/HqELO_p1vc4/s320/CAR%2526%2BLISE.JPG" /></a> Congrats!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVACzqbFNs8/TqXmaogr-BI/AAAAAAAAAJA/zMi0tJpO_Ow/s1600/JON%2B%2526%2BMPL.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667189051341142034" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVACzqbFNs8/TqXmaogr-BI/AAAAAAAAAJA/zMi0tJpO_Ow/s200/JON%2B%2526%2BMPL.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KAJx58Wy5o8/TqXmVrKtECI/AAAAAAAAAI0/pFyl9ECx2hw/s1600/BOB%2BMPL.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667188966154899490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KAJx58Wy5o8/TqXmVrKtECI/AAAAAAAAAI0/pFyl9ECx2hw/s200/BOB%2BMPL.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Big hugs to dedicated members who spend their blood and tears helping colleagues and improving our work lives.<br />The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CMG</span> at CBC handed its top prize to long time<br />volunteer and former President Lise <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lareau</span>. (Lise stepped down as President last year) and is now back in the newsroom, assigning news all day, and run ragged all evening volunteering as Vice-President. Honourable mentions include National Treasurer Jonathan Spence, and executive member Bob Sharpe from St.John's. (Plus Vancouver's Colin Preston, and member Liana Harman from Toronto). </div></div></div>Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-66132404257994293812011-10-20T13:49:00.004-04:002011-10-20T14:25:44.272-04:00Pen Pals<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quebecor</span> owner Pierre Karl <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Peladeau</span> has send a dozen letters to the Prime Minister and others in government COMPLAINING <a href="http://http//cbc.radio-canada.ca/media/facts/20111018_e.pdf">that CBC Radio</a>-Canada does NOT spend enough advertising in his newspapers.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7iv5OTNVCM/TqBi2TX-lTI/AAAAAAAAAH4/OO0KvG6lyl8/s1600/P1020700.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665637016285386034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7iv5OTNVCM/TqBi2TX-lTI/AAAAAAAAAH4/OO0KvG6lyl8/s320/P1020700.JPG" /></a> Meanwhile his papers have spent<br />the last three years criticizing the CBC over things most readers might not consider newsworthy. <a href="http://http//www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/cbc-lashes-out-at-quebecors-500-million-in-public-subsidies/article2206735/">Both parties </a>appear today at a parliamentary Ethics <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">committee</span> hearings. Radio Canada is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quebecors</span>' biggest competitor in Quebec where the media giant owns dozens of newspapers and a television network.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-85432656571681403252011-10-18T15:11:00.004-04:002011-10-18T15:27:26.802-04:00Fighting for Better Care<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NyxC0is9yNk/Tp3Q5W0rhGI/AAAAAAAAAHg/dtB1GiWieng/s1600/RETIREES%2BOCT%2B2011%2BConvention_2.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664913590099608674" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NyxC0is9yNk/Tp3Q5W0rhGI/AAAAAAAAAHg/dtB1GiWieng/s320/RETIREES%2BOCT%2B2011%2BConvention_2.JPG" /></a>It's not just the kids anymore, many of us are struggling to take care of older parents. The papers are full of complaints about access to home care, when your dad has alzheimer's who helps your mom? This weekend a group of dedicated retired union members from across the country met to discuss how to persuade Ottawa to improve the lives of EVERY Canadian senior with better pensions and home care. (Details at <a href="http://http//unionretiree.ca/">CURC: Congress </a>of Union Retirees of Canada.)<br /><br /><div></div>Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-3388425452476629462011-10-18T14:42:00.004-04:002011-10-18T15:10:54.514-04:00Pain and PersistanceCongrats to CMG national treasurer Jonathan Spence<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz_GDtrKqh4/Tp3MAk-S6WI/AAAAAAAAAHI/vR9FyAi-e2A/s1600/JONATHAN3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664908216598980962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz_GDtrKqh4/Tp3MAk-S6WI/AAAAAAAAAHI/vR9FyAi-e2A/s320/JONATHAN3.jpg" /></a> for finishing Toronto's biggest marathon in 3:41. CBC had great coverage on the weekend, it was an exciting race with Canadian Reid Coolsaet finishing third in 2:10:55...seconds from breaking the Canadian record (2:10:08 by Jerome Drayton in 1975.)Last year CMG had a team running the Scotiabank Media Challange. Let's do it again next year.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-24457211377012973322011-10-14T10:55:00.003-04:002011-10-14T11:05:03.912-04:00Hands Off Our CBCWow, the Liberals have found a voice, (and a heart)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OyQmmY2f1NE/TphNjiKCuGI/AAAAAAAAAG8/SiSjEJdou6c/s1600/P1020701.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663361804278085730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OyQmmY2f1NE/TphNjiKCuGI/AAAAAAAAAG8/SiSjEJdou6c/s320/P1020701.JPG" /></a><br />and are shouting out to save the CBC. I quote "The Conservatives<br />are over-reading their mandate. <a href="http://http//www.liberal.ca/newsroom/blog/sign-petition-hands-cbc/">We need to </a>send<br />a strong message: CBC funding didn't cause your<br />Conservative deficit; so don't try to fix that<br />problem on the back of the CBC!". Hey I could have written that! The Libs even have a petition to sign. What a golden opportunity for ALL CBC fans, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">friends</span>, staff and families to post their John Henry. Positive change doesn't just happen, if you <a href="http://http//www.liberal.ca/newsroom/blog/sign-petition-hands-cbc/">have an opinion SHARE </a>IT. Txs Bob.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-46756288076168220072011-10-12T13:21:00.005-04:002011-10-12T14:26:43.646-04:00What is Lisa Raitt in for?[Guest post from <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/karenatcmg">karenatcmg</a>]<br /><br />Has federal labour minister Lisa Raitt thought about what she may be in for as her government <a href="http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1067829--raitt-intervenes-to-block-air-canada-strike">forces its way into the middle of collective bargaining</a> in Canada?<br /><br />The phrase "class warfare" entered the lexicon again this summer south of the border. Sure, it started out as <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/19/idUS176364188120110819">conservative bluster</a> but then the <a href="http://occupywallst.org/">99% set up camp on Wall Street</a>. In the midst of all this, Air Canada flight attendants voted down not one, but two tentative agreements. Some of them <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCt1JvWiUXo&amp;feature=email&amp;noredirect=1">created a great video</a> to explain just why. <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/10/11/f-air-canada-flight-attendants.html">Other observers have suggested</a> Raitt sabotaged bargaining by interfering in two previous work stoppages since June and making it clear that any fair deal would only be granted by an arbitrator and not at the bargaining table.<br /><br />So why is Raitt undermining a bargaining system that has <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1067898--walkom-harper-invites-labour-pains-by-clamping-down-on-strikes">brought relative peace to labour relations in Canada</a> for several generations? Even management-side commentators (including<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a href="http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/Air-Canada-union-government-reuters-2725306548.html?x=0">George Smith</a>, former VP of Industrial Relations at CBC) seem to be scratching their heads on that one. It is even more of a question for all of us who care about maintaining or improving working conditions, salaries and benefits. Raitt seems to be trying to take away our existing rights to bargain for ourselves and our interests. History has taught us that workers <a href="http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?Params=A1ARTA0008649&amp;PgNm=TCE">find</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_1968_in_France">other</a> <a href="http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/Wildcat-strike-grounds-afp-2965437207.html?x=0">ways</a> to go about it, and Raitt might not like those any better.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-68668978448543984792011-10-11T15:50:00.004-04:002011-10-11T16:17:00.136-04:00A Little Sympathy Goes a Long Way<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFUXl-LiVOY/TpSeU56Cv5I/AAAAAAAAAGw/iNkWx8DzsBA/s1600/RYERSON%2BMENTAL%2BHEALTH.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662324713490399122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFUXl-LiVOY/TpSeU56Cv5I/AAAAAAAAAGw/iNkWx8DzsBA/s320/RYERSON%2BMENTAL%2BHEALTH.jpg" /></a> Young men out of work for more than 6 months are 40 times more likely to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">committ</span> suicide. How is that for a sobering statistic and proof that work is actually good for you. There are no end of studies showing people with jobs are happier, and that goes for people with mental health issues too. Only in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">addition</span> to the usual stresses at work they also suffer the slings and slights of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unsympathetic</span> colleagues. The experts suggest calling it a stress <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">injury</span> to remove the stigma. This is just part of ongoing discussions at progressive unions about how to make work more workable (1 in 5 Canadians will suffer a periodic <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">MH</span> breakdown: 1 in 100 is severe). Progressive <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">grps</span> like <a href="http://http//www.clmr.ryerson.ca/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ryersons</span>' Centre for Labour </a>Management Relations are helping.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-1278075792933319512011-10-07T14:26:00.007-04:002011-10-07T15:14:17.115-04:00Reporter Suffers Gruesome OverloadLike his news stories, his personal account of the post traumatic stress effects of covering the "killing colonel" story is riveting. CBC Radio reporter Dave <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seglins</span> exposes his soul and the impact of sitting through grueling testimony for weeks covering Canada's most shocking serial sex offender-murder trail. He knows more about Colonel Russell Williams than you ever want to know. No surprise it is sickening. An enlightening read on the<a href="http://j-source.ca/article/one-reporters-trial"> Canadian Journalism Project</a>.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-57080177093321140332011-10-07T13:55:00.005-04:002011-10-07T15:12:01.793-04:00Occupying Wall StreetWho says idealism is dead? I follow with admiration the wall street protests, working class parents and college kids fuming at the unfairness of a world where the rich get richer and the middle class more oppressed daily. As in Canada we have an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">educated</span> generation that can't find decent jobs, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">that's</span> the oppressive fog that lead to unions in the first place. It used to be <a href="httphttp://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/10/2011105105339846381.html?utm_content=automateplus&amp;utm_campaign=Trial6&amp;utm_source=SocialFlow&amp;utm_term=tweets&amp;utm_medium=MasterAccount://">unions led </a>this kind of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">demonstration</span>, but this has a searing spontaneity that unions are recognizing and embracing. We share their hope and passion for change. It's a beautiful world when we can work together for an empowering goal, instead of constantly being artificially divided by corporate spin masters. On a related note, big thanks to everyone who voted <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">in recent </span>provincial <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">elections</span>. Even an simple X in favour of a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">kinder</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gentler</span> government makes a difference.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-81602385173674885162011-10-03T13:25:00.007-04:002011-10-03T15:09:14.937-04:00Stop bashing workersI know you don't need a lecture on all the things unions have done to help Canadians, (fighting to increase minimum wage, better pensions for seniors, same sex benefits, paid parental leave, 5- day workweeks, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">small</span>er class size, subsidized daycare). There are many examples, but the bottom line is unions work to improve <span style="font-size:+0;">EVERYONE'S</span> quality of life &amp; work.<br /><br />So it's bizarre to see Ontario Conservatives campaigning on a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">platform</span> that includes "bringing public sector <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pay cheques</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">in line</span> with private sector standards". What are they talking about? If they mean decent pay and pensions, that has nothing to do with whether you work for government or a private company. Some private companies have good pay &amp; benefits-usually when the employees have a <span style="font-size:+0;">union</span> to fight for them. If there is no union, you <span style="font-size:+0;">have to </span>fight for these <span style="font-size:+0;">things</span> on your own and we all know how hard that is!<br /><br />Is that what the <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/provincialelection/article/1063025--union-leaders-say-a-vote-for-hudak-could-threaten-labour-peace">Conservatives are talking about?</a> Bringing all Ontarians' salaries <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">down t</span><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">o</span> the lowest <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">possible</span> level (and letting stockholders pocket the profit)? Who does that help? (The Conservatives' corporate backers, who must love the concept?)Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-7995681106791866722011-10-03T13:01:00.004-04:002011-10-03T13:21:47.876-04:00Friends and FansThanks to all volunteers handing out<br />supportive <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">flyers</span> at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">CBC's</span> OPEN HOUSE this weekend.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-yxElhcF2Y/TonqejrTJgI/AAAAAAAAAGo/4iJUlBzYZIw/s1600/P1020705.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659312217461564930" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-yxElhcF2Y/TonqejrTJgI/AAAAAAAAAGo/4iJUlBzYZIw/s320/P1020705.JPG" /></a><br />As we hear more Conservative musings about cutting the budget, we appreciate the support of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">CBC's</span> friends and fans, and why not support a mandate to promote Canadian talent! The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Huffington</span> Post says Heritage Minister James Moore wants to "slash <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">CBC's</span> budget by 10%", just the latest in an increasing slew of anti-public broadcasting comments by prominent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Conservatives</span>.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-46879509066265489552011-09-27T13:58:00.008-04:002011-09-29T14:45:34.648-04:00A Good Question?(Updated)<br /><br />I was surprised to see <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/cbc-funding-under-microscope-in-conservative-surveys/article2178251/">this week </a>that several prominent Conservatives floated the question of CBC funding. One survey asked whether the money Ottawa spends on CBC was "good"or"bad" value. It's a troubling question for anyone who supports public broadcasting. Small surveys by renegade politicians might not support the official party line, but when our office sent a questionnaire on support for the provincial public broadcasters TVO &amp; TFO to candidates in the provincial election, the provincial Conservatives did not answer at all.<br /><br />UPDATE: Last night we received a response from a single PC candidate, leader Tim Hudak, who sent a letter on Wednesday evening, just before he appeared on TVO's Agenda. Here's how he answered our ten questions:<br /><br /><blockquote>Thank you for your survey about TVO and TFO and for the opportunity to tell you more about the change we’re proposing for Ontario families.<br /> I have firsthand experience with TVO and the quality broadcasting you deliver. As you know, I have appeared on TVO programs many times, both before and after becoming Ontario PC Leader. I also enjoy watching TVO programming with my family.<br /> In changebook, we’ve set three priorities: Change to put more money in your pocket, change to guarantee the services you need, and change to clean up government. These are difficult but important choices that we made only after listening to literally thousands of families from every corner of Ontario.<br /> On October 6th, Ontario families will face a clear choice. They will choose four more years of Dalton McGuinty raising their taxes, wasting their money, and never standing up for the things we believe in; or they will choose change with an Ontario PC government.<br /> To read more about the change we’re proposing for Ontario families, I encourage you to visit www.changebook.ca<br />Sincerely,<br />Tim Hudak</blockquote><br />Liberal, NDP and Green party candidates have been supportive of funding for TVO and TFO. To quote a Green : "would love to see more of Ontario shown off". We agree. Just another reason to question your candidates before casting your vote.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-2460972282745370822011-09-27T13:51:00.003-04:002011-09-27T13:58:31.824-04:00Speaking OutThousands of people protested at Toronto city hall to oppose proposed cuts to programs and services.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3C5nVo1AHA/ToINS2TxdMI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/5-0LDoxhW5c/s1600/TORONTO%2BRALLY.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657098699398018242" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3C5nVo1AHA/ToINS2TxdMI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/5-0LDoxhW5c/s320/TORONTO%2BRALLY.jpg" /></a> I'm amazed at the vigor and enthusiasm of people who showed up to fight for a more progressive city. It is inspiring.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-90710969710216578122011-09-19T17:17:00.004-04:002011-09-19T17:40:04.915-04:00Taxes and other MisunderstandingsThere are good kids, and there is bad behavior. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">That's</span> the way I feel about taxes. Why is it a clown can get elected promising "no taxes"; it doesn't even make sense. Anyone who has traveled knows there are hundreds of places where "no taxes" means living in squalor, with no schools for your children, no decent roads, hospitals or dependable public services. Are any of us really against taxes that pay for good schools, hospitals, highways, garbage pickup, recycling, even public pools. Why is it such an oxymoron? Would we really have it any other way? What we don't want is waste, corruption, billions in corporate breaks, and helping the super rich avoid paying a fair share. So lets give the maligned 3 letter word a little love, and make politicians actually think and tell us WHAT they are going to spend our taxes on, instead of accepting a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">worn out</span> old cliche.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-74515946615645639782011-09-16T14:27:00.005-04:002011-09-16T15:14:11.050-04:00We Can All DreamAn insightful and sobering read from the US President written long before he was in the Oval office.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZOlhD9qS4M/TnOWw6YIHVI/AAAAAAAAAGI/qX4D3qEktv4/s1600/OBAMA%2Bbook.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653027724328443218" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZOlhD9qS4M/TnOWw6YIHVI/AAAAAAAAAGI/qX4D3qEktv4/s320/OBAMA%2Bbook.jpg" /></a> Its not about politics, just the story of a young man trying to find his place in the world, and tracking down his absent fathers' family. There are millions of stories like it. The difference?His clear and perceptive <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">observations</span> on race and how the colour of your skin can affect everything from confidence to lifetime income. Its an inspiration for activists everywhere. None of us will ever match the impact he has made just by getting elected, but its so hopeful to be here at a time when that could happen. He will probably forever be the only US President (or any country's President) who actually got started working in downtown neighborhoods trying to make democracy work for the working class.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-76188067314254984892011-09-13T17:27:00.005-04:002011-09-14T12:30:03.681-04:00CBC hits back on Quebecor bashingQuebecor has been throwing $$ away for months foaming about the CBC's real and imagined slights, it has made an industry of rampant rivalry that rational minds try to ignore. This Monday a calm <a href="http://www.montrealgazette.com/mobile/story.html?id=5390953">response</a> from a CBC VP to a vexing Montreal Gazette editorial puts it in perspective.<br /><br />Marvel at how much ink a jealous rival used to calling the shots can spill inventing a scandal just because he can. Quebecor's owner can afford to print whatever he likes in his newspapers (and <a href="http://www.cmg.ca/Mediaownershipchart-2010.pdf">he owns MANY</a>). This is the <a href="http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2011/09/12/Nagata_Quebec_Warning/">dark side of letting anyone monopolize the media</a>.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-42527421670061353512011-09-06T16:40:00.003-04:002011-09-06T17:08:40.677-04:00Something to CelebrateWe had a great turn out from CBC, The Canadian Press, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">TVO</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">tfo</span>, Shaw Television, Thomson Reuters,and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zoomer</span> TV for the Labour Day<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOyesBpZyGs/TmaFfSBTZuI/AAAAAAAAAGA/uvghMyBH3y0/s1600/LABOUR%2BDAY%2BGRP%2BSHOT%2B2011%2BNICE.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649349555042608866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOyesBpZyGs/TmaFfSBTZuI/AAAAAAAAAGA/uvghMyBH3y0/s320/LABOUR%2BDAY%2BGRP%2BSHOT%2B2011%2BNICE.jpg" /></a> Parade in Toronto. And no wonder. These are difficult times for anyone who works for a living and belongs to a union. Which is odd because at its core we are just a group helping each other and trying to help all working class people improve their lives. How can that be bad. Its unfortunate instead of inspiring others to work for similar goals, (we can help) it has become fodder for narrow minds to incite envy and intolerance.The only way an average person with no money and no power can get ahead is by working with others. Thus a union is born. It can work for everyone.Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663684148828902095.post-28617784513807716322011-08-30T14:34:00.002-04:002011-08-30T14:49:47.994-04:00Ciao Bella<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEj0iF8IIJA/Tl0tTUiBePI/AAAAAAAAAF4/dpFWJJlJZE4/s1600/Carmel%2Band%2BKathy.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646719317744646386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEj0iF8IIJA/Tl0tTUiBePI/AAAAAAAAAF4/dpFWJJlJZE4/s320/Carmel%2Band%2BKathy.JPG" /></a>This week we celebrated the long career of a favorite staff rep. Kathy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Viner</span> fought for better pay, pensions,benefits and working conditions for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">CMG</span> members for nearly 30 years. (And loved every minute of it! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ahh</span>) So she says. Union work can be both satisfying and frustrating. Satisfying in that you really do make the world a better place, and frustrating because there is so much to do. Many of us start off as volunteers helping colleagues through a bureaucratic maze,
<br />but working for a union is also a challenging, rewarding career that many people would love as much as Kathy did. (She's off to Italy now to enjoy her freedom!) Ciao Bella.
<br />Carmel Smythhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193044721556391222noreply@blogger.com0